News Archives 2021 -- News Releases and NEWS NOW

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The application deadline for Iowa Pork Industry Center's next Pork Quality Assurance Advisor certification session is approaching, and those interested in attending should submit their application soon. The session date is Friday, April 9, and the application deadline for this virtual session is Friday, March 26 for the session taught by ISU extension swine veterinarian Chris Rademacher.
The International Conference on Pig Survivability is planned for Oct. 27-28, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Hilton Omaha. The conference objective is to facilitate the discussion and dissemination of the most current information relative to sow, litter, weaned pig and grow-finish mortality. Speakers and topics are confirmed and registration is open.
Pork producers can learn more about building ventilation from the inside out through a series of five workshops in mid-March. Brett Ramirez of ISU agricultural and biosystems engineering is leading the workshops and said the daylong program combines classroom instruction with hands-on trials and application of knowledge. No cost to attend, although preregistration is required due to limited capacity.
After several U.S. processors announced last year they would process only pigs that are free of ractopamine, Locke Karriker and Chris Rademacher of ISU's VDPAM developed an FAQ document to address concerns and offer relevant information. The info is intended for pork producers, swine exhibition participants, feed manufacturers and veterinarians and the document will be updated as new questions arise.
Also in 2020, a document from Jodi Sterle of ISU's animal science department incorporated available ractopamine information into the decision-making process for management of market hog exhibitions, fairs and shows, by providing options for considerations. The document offers information, options and explanations, yet cautions that every situation is unique and each show, fair and exhibition must make the decision that works for their circumstances.
The 2021 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences have been set for week of Feb. 15 and registrations for the free events are now being taken. There are four locations, and all sessions run from 1 to 4:30 p.m. All are preceded by an optional PQA producer certification session at the same location from 9 a.m. to noon. See the dates, locations, speakers and topics, and plan to register soon.
Former extension swine specialist Tom Miller was named Honorary Master Pork Producer Award by Iowa Pork Producers Association at the 2021 Iowa Pork Congress recognition banquet. Miller began his extension career in late 1999 and retired in May 2020.
Since 2005, PorkBridge has provided relevant and timely information to grow-finish swine producers and other industry professionals across the U.S. and around the world. The 2021 program year series begins Feb. 4 and continues on an every-other-month for six total sessions. The program is a source of relevant and accurate information for those who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities, according to Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist, Ken Stalder, who is the Iowa contact for PorkBridge.
SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its next program year in February 2021, and registration is now underway. This opportunity pairs electronically provided materials with live presentations via teleconference. Suggestions from past participants help with planning the next year’s topics and speakers, and maintain the program’s value, according to Ken Stalder, Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist.